Portable information processing apparatus having a switchable operating state and method of the same

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to a portable information apparatus which can realize electrical power for a longer period of time. Under the condition that the suspending mode is set, when an exclusive key is manipulated, a switch monitoring circuit detects this condition and issues an interruption to the CPU. In this timing, the CPU supplies the necessary electrical power to the CD-ROM controller, CD-ROM drive and audio circuit which are required for reproduction of CD. Thereby, a CD can be reproduced under the suspending mode.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of and claims the benefit of priorityfrom U.S. application Ser. No. 12/200,987, filed Aug. 29, 2008, which isa division of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/608,613, now U.S. Pat. No.7,434,075, filed Dec. 8, 2006, the entire contents of each of which isincorporated herein by reference. U.S. application Ser. No. 11/608,613is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/184,899, now U.S. Pat.No. 7,178,042, filed Jul. 1, 2002, which is a continuation of U.S.application Ser. No. 09/088,763, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,449,724, filed Jun.2, 1998, which is based upon and claims the benefit of priority from theprior Japanese Patent Application No. P09-144941, filed Jun. 3, 1997,and is related to P09-139271, filed May 21, 1998.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a portable information processingapparatus and a method of controlling the same.

2. Description of the Related Art

In a portable personal computer, a built-in battery supplies thenecessary electrical powers to each section. It has also been proposedto provide a suspending mode (sleeping mode) so that the battery cansupply the electrical power as long period as possible.

A user sets the suspending mode in such a case that a user does not usethe portable personal computer for a while. The suspending mode is set,operation of CPU is basically stopped in the portable personal computer.Moreover, supply of electrical power to each section is basicallystopped, except for the supply of electrical power to a part of thecircuits which requires backup service of electrical power.

When the suspending mode is set, a user can no longer process thepredetermined information using such portable personal computer. Forexample, even when the relevant portable personal computer has thefunction to play a CD (Compact Disc), this portable personal computercannot play a CD under the condition that the suspending mode is set.Therefore, a user is requested to cancel the setting of the suspendingmode to play a CD for reproduction of data. When playing of CD isinstructed after canceling the suspending mode, a button icon, etc.which is required for playing of CD, as shown in FIG. 1, is displayed onan LCD of the portable personal computer. A user is now capable ofplaying a CD by adequately manipulating this button icon with a mouse,etc. The CPU supplies the electrical power to the entire sections of theportable personal computer when the suspending mode is canceled torealize the playing of a CD.

As explained, since the relevant portable personal computer is requestedto cancel the suspending mode, when a CD is played from the conditionthat the suspending mode is being set, the electrical power is alsosupplied to a part which is not required for playing of a CD and theelectrical power of the battery has been consumed unnecessarily,resulting in a problem that it is difficult to use the battery for alonger period of time.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention has been proposed considering the backgroundexplained above and it is therefore an object of the present inventionto control that electrical power of a battery is unnecessarily consumedand thereby a battery can supply its electrical power for a longerperiod of time.

An offered medium described in the present invention is characterized inproviding a program comprising a setting step for setting the suspendingmode, a limiting step for limiting supply of electrical power from abattery when the suspending mode is set, a detecting step for detectingan instruction for reproducing an information recording medium and asupplying step for supplying electrical power to the sections requiredfor reproducing an information recording medium under the suspendingmode condition when the instruction for reproducing the informationrecording medium is detected in the detecting step.

A method of controlling a portable information processing apparatus ofthe present invention is characterized in comprising a setting step forsetting the suspending mode, a limiting step for limiting supply ofelectrical power from a battery when the suspending mode is set, adetecting step for detecting an instruction for reproducing aninformation recording medium and a supplying step for supplyingelectrical power to the sections required for reproducing an informationrecording medium under the suspending mode condition when theinstruction for reproducing the information recording medium is detectedin the detecting step.

A portable information processing apparatus of the present invention ischaracterized in comprising a setting means for setting the suspendingmode, a limiting means for limiting supply of electrical power from abattery when the suspending mode is set, a detecting means for detectingan instruction for reproducing an information recording medium and asupplying means for supplying electrical power to the sections requiredfor reproducing an information recording medium under the suspendingmode condition when the instruction for reproducing the informationrecording medium is detected in the detecting step.

In an offered medium, a method of controlling a portable informationprocessing apparatus and a portable information processing apparatus ofthe present invention, when an instruction for reproducing aninformation recording medium is detected in the suspending mode,electrical power is supplied to the sections required for reproductionof an information recording medium in the suspending mode condition.

As explained above, according to an offered medium, a method ofcontrolling an information processing apparatus and a portableinformation processing apparatus of the present invention, whenreproduction of the information recording medium is instructed under thesuspending condition, electrical power is supplied to the sectionsrequired for reproduction of the information recording medium in view ofsupply electrical power from a battery for a longer period of time.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparentfrom the following detailed description of the presently preferredembodiments thereof, which description should be considered inconjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 shows a display example during reproduction of a CD in therelated portable personal computer;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an external structure of a portablepersonal computer to which the present invention is applied;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an external structure of a portablepersonal computer to which the present invention is applied;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing an external structure of a portablepersonal computer to which the present invention is applied;

FIG. 5 shows a structure of a headphone system;

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a structure example of a portablepersonal computer of FIG. 2;

FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining the processes for setting thesuspending mode of a portable personal computer of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining the processes for canceling thesuspending mode of a portable personal computer of FIG. 6; and

FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining the reproducing process in thesuspending mode of a portable personal computer of FIG. 6.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The preferred embodiments of the present invention will be explainedbelow. In this case, however, the corresponding embodiment (only anexample) will be additionally described in the parentheses after eachmeans to clear the characteristic of the present invention in view ofdisclosing the relationship between each means of the present inventionand each embodiment thereof. However, it does not mean that thisdescription is not limited to each means.

The portable information processing apparatus described in the presentinvention is characterized in comprising a setting means (for example,step S3 of FIG. 7) for setting the suspending mode, a limiting means(for example, step S4 in FIG. 7) for limiting supply of electrical powerfrom a battery when the suspending mode is set, a detecting means (forexample, step S21 of FIG. 9) for detecting an instruction forreproducing an information recording medium in the suspending mode and asupplying means (for example, step S24 of FIG. 9) for supplyingelectrical power to a part which is required to reproduce an informationrecording medium in the suspending mode condition when the instructionfor reproducing the information recording medium is detected by thedetecting means.

FIG. 2 to FIG. 4 show an external structure of a portable personalcomputer to which the present invention is applied. As shown in thesefigures, this portable personal computer 1 is composed of a body 2 and arotating cover 11 which is freely rotated against the body 2. At theupper surface of the body 2, key section 3 which is manipulated forinputting characters and codes, etc. and a touch pad 4 which ismanipulated for moving a cursor and executing the defining processes areprovided. At the side surface in the left side of the body 2, a CD-ROMdrive 5 is provided. A CD-ROM can be loaded to a tray 6 by drawing thetray of the CD-ROM drive 5 from the body (FIG. 3 and FIG. 4). Moreover,at the inverse side (left side) of the CD-ROM drive, a jack 8 isprovided (FIG. 2, 4) for connection of a plug 36 (FIG. 4) forming aheadphone system. Moreover, at the upper rear surface, speakers 9L, 9Rare also provided in the right and left sides.

At the front surface of the rotating cover 11, an LCD 12 is provided andthe predetermined characters and images are displayed.

FIG. 5 shows a detail structure of the headphone system. In thisheadphone system, the jack 34 of a remote controller 31 is connectedwith the plug 33. This plug 33 is connected with right and leftheadphones 31L, 31R via a lead 35.

In addition, a case 41 of the remote controller 31 is connected with aplug 36 via a lead 37. At the upper surface of the case 41, an LCD 42for displaying various pieces of information, a PLAY key 46 manipulatedfor instructing reproduction, a STOP key 45 manipulated for instructingstop of operation and a DSP key 47 are provided.

Moreover, at the side surface of the case 41, an FF key 43 forinstructing fast feeding operation, a REW key 44 manipulated forinstructing high speed rewinding operation and a hold switch 48 areprovided.

FIG. 6 shows an internal structure example of a portable personalcomputer 1. CPU 61 executes various kinds of processes depending on theprograms stored in a ROM 62. In the RAM 63 and hard disc 60, the dataand programs required for executing various processes in the CPU 61 arestored as required. An input/output interface 65 outputs and displaysthe data input via a bus 64 from the CPU 61 to the LCD 12. The interface65 also controls a power supply circuit 73 to control supply ofelectrical power to each section from the power supply circuit 74 havinga battery 5.

The interface 65 also detects an input from a touch pad 4 and outputsthe input to the CPU 61 via the bus 64. In the same manner, when any key3 is manipulated, the interface 65 outputs a signal corresponding to thekey manipulated to the CPU 61 via the bus 64. The predetermined key ofthe key 3 defines, depending on the assignment of functions to the key,an exclusive key 71 which is manipulated for reproducing a CD in thesuspending mode or a suspending mode canceling key 72 manipulated forcanceling the suspending mode.

The interface 65 also comprises a switch monitoring circuit 66 tomonitor manipulation of exclusive key 71 of the key 3 and a detectingsignal of the detecting circuit 70. The detecting circuit 70 detectsconnection between the plug 36 and jack 8 when the plug 36 is insertedto the jack 8 and then sends the detecting signal to the switchmonitoring circuit 66. The switch monitoring circuit 66 outputs aninterruption signal to the CPU 61 via the bus 64 when the exclusive key71 is manipulated or detecting signal is input from the detectingcircuit 70 in the suspending mode. A modem 69 is controlled by the CPU 6via the interface 65 to receive and send the data via the telephoneline.

A CD-ROM controller 67 controls the CD-ROM drive 5 corresponding to aninstruction input from the CPU 61 in order to play the CD-ROM 7. Thedata obtained by reproduction of CD-ROM is output to the CPU 61 via thebus 64 from the CD-ROM controller 67.

Moreover, when a CD in which an ordinary music program is recorded isplayed by the CD-ROM drive 5, the reproduced data is output to an audiocircuit 68 for the purpose of demodulating process and error correctingprocess. Thereafter, the reproduced signal is supplied to the speakers9L, 9R and it is also supplied to the headphones 31L, 31R via the jack8.

Next, the process for setting the suspending mode in the portablepersonal computer 1 is explained with reference to the flowchart of FIG.7. First, in the step S1, a user judges whether a file in the network isused via a modem 69 or not. When a file is used, the process for storingthis file, for example, to the hard disc 60 in the step S2. This processis executed to use the file even if the suspending mode is reset whenthe connection is canceled because the connection with the network issometimes canceled when the suspending mode is set. When a file in thenetwork is not used, the process of the step S2 is skipped.

Next, in the step S3, a user instructs and inputs the suspending mode.This input is executed by manipulating the predetermined key among thekey 3. For example, on the operating software, Windows 95 (Trademark),this input is executed by selecting the command of “Suspending” from thepull-down menu which is displayed by clicking the “Start” button. Inthis case, selection is performed via the cursor by manipulating a touchpad 4.

The CPU 61 sets the suspending mode in the step S4 when the suspendingmode is input. In this suspending mode, the CPU 61 controls a powersupply circuit 73 via the interface 65 to stop the supply of electricalpower to each section. In this case, the CPU 61 is stopped to executethe processes. Thereby, nothing is displayed, for example, on the LCD12, disabling the modem 69 and CD-ROM drive 6. Manipulation of key 3except for the exclusive key 71 and suspending mode canceling key 72 andmanipulation of touch pad 4 are not accepted by the CPU 61. Of course,the CPU 61 cannot execute various kinds of application programs such asword processor and game, etc.

As explained above, when the suspending mode is canceled in thecondition that the suspending mode is being set, the processes indicatedin the flowchart of FIG. 8 are executed.

Namely, first, in the step S11, a user manipulates the suspending modecanceling key 72 of the key 3. This manipulation is transferred to theCPU 61 via the interface 65. Thereby, the CPU 61 starts again theexecution in the step S12 and cancels the suspending mode which as beenset. In this timing, the CPU 61 controls the power supply circuit 73 viathe interface 65 to supply necessary electrical power to each section.Thereby, each section of the portable personal computer 1 is ready foroperation. Therefore, a user is capable of making access to thepredetermined server from the Internet by executing the word processoror game software or via the modem 69. Of course, the CD-ROM can also beplayed for reproduction of data.

Next, the process for playing a CD under the suspending mode conditionwill be explained with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 9. When it isattempted to play a CD in the suspending mode, a user manipulates, inthe step S21, the exclusive key 71 for instructing the CD driveoperation of the key 3. When the exclusive key 71 is manipulated, theswitch monitoring circuit 66 detects manipulation of the key 71. Or,when the plug 36 is connected to the jack 6, the detecting circuit 70detects the connection and outputs a detection signal to the switchmonitoring circuit 66. In any case, the switch monitoring circuit 66outputs an interruption signal to the CPU 61 in the step S22. In thiscase, the CPU 61 starts again the execution in the step S23corresponding to this interruption signal.

In the Step S24, the CPU 61 supplies electrical power only to a partwhich is required to play a CD among each section of the portablepersonal computer 1. Namely, CPU 61 controls the power supply circuit 73via the interface 65 to supply electrical power to the CD-ROM controller67, CD-ROM drive 5 and audio circuit 68. Thereafter, the CPU 61 stopsexecution to provide the low power consumption mode in the step S26.

Next, in the step S26, the CPU 61 is in the waiting condition of the lowpower consumption mode while keeping the execution being stopped untilthe predetermined key is manipulated among various kinds of keysprovided on the remote controller 31. When the predetermined key of theremote controller 31 is manipulated, such manipulation signal issupplied to the switch monitoring circuit 66 via the plug 36, jack 8 anddetecting circuit 70. The switch monitoring circuit 66 outputs theinterruption signal to the CPU 61 in the step S27 when the manipulationsignal is input. In this timing, the CPU 61 starts again the executionin the step S28.

Next, the CPU 61 judges, in the step S29, whether the manipulated key isthe STOP key 45 for instructing the end of reproduction of CD or not. Ifthe manipulated key is not the STOP key 45, the CPU 61 executes theprocess corresponding to the manipulated key in the step S30.

When the PLAY key, for example, is manipulated, the CPU 61 requestsplaying of CD to the CD-ROM controller 67 via the bus 64. The CD-ROMcontroller 67 controls, upon reception of this request from the CPU 61,the CD-ROM drive 5 to reproduce this CD. The signal reproduced from theCD is then output to an audio circuit 68 for the demodulation processand error correction process and is then output from the speakers 9L,9R. Or, the reproduced signal output from the audio circuit 68 is outputfrom the headphones 31L, 31R via the jack 8, plug 36 and remotecontroller 31.

Thereafter, returning to the step S26, the CPU 61 stops execution andwaits for the next key manipulation in the step S26.

In the step S29, when the manipulated key is judged as the STOP key 45,the CPU 61 skips to the step S31 to stop the supply of electrical powerto the CD-ROM controller 67, CD-ROM drive 5 and audio circuit 68.Namely, the CPU 61 stops again the supply of electrical power to thecircuits to which the electrical power is supplied in the step S24.

As explained above, since electrical power is supplied only to the partrequired for reproducing a CD under the condition that the suspendingmode is being set in this embodiment, consumption of the electricalpower during reproduction of CD can be reduced more than that in thecase where CD is reproduced by supplying electrical power to the entireportions of the portable personal computer 1. Moreover, since the CPU 61can be set to the condition for stopping the execution even during thereproduction of CD, power consumption by the CPU 1 (power consumption bythe CPU 61 is about a half of the total power consumption by portablepersonal computer 1) can also reduced. As a result, it is now possiblefor a battery 75 to supply electrical power to each section for a longerperiod of time.

In the embodiment explained above, an exclusive key 71 for instructingreproduction of CD in the suspending mode is provided in the key 3, butit is also possible that various keys of the remote controller 31 aredefined as the exclusive keys and when these are manipulated, it isdetected by the switch monitoring circuit 66 to reproduce the CD.

Moreover, in above embodiment, an example of playing a CD has beenexplained but the present invention can also be applied to reproductionof the other information recording medium than the CD. Furthermore, thepresent invention cal also be applied to a portable informationprocessing apparatus other than a portable personal computer.

A program for executing various processes explained above may berecorded on a recording medium such as a floppy disk and CD-ROM disc,etc. and offered to users in direct or through transmission via thenetwork. The offered programs can be stored as required by installing toRAM 63 or hard disc 60.

1. An information processing apparatus, comprising: a central processingunit (CPU); a media drive configured to reproduce data from a storagemedium; a first switch configured to change an operating state of theinformation processing apparatus from a first operating state to asecond operating state, the CPU configured to execute a predeterminedapplication program of the information processing apparatus in the firstoperating state, and the CPU configured to not execute the predeterminedapplication program in the second operating state; and a second switchconfigured to change the operating state from the second operating stateto a third operating state, the CPU configured to operate the mediadrive in the third operating state, and the CPU configured to notexecute the predetermined application program in the third operatingstate, wherein the second switch is operable in the first operatingstate and the second operating state, such that the CPU accepts a signalresulting from activating the second switch in the first and secondoperating states.
 2. The information processing apparatus according toclaim 1, further comprising: a third switch configured to initiatereproduction of the data from the storage medium by the media drive. 3.The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein thethird switch is operable in the first, second and third operatingstates, such that the CPU accepts a signal resulting from activating thethird switch in the first, second and third operating states.
 4. Theinformation processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a thirdswitch configured to initiate reproduction of the data from the storagemedium by the media drive is provided on a remote controller and thesecond switch is provided on a casing of the information processingapparatus.
 5. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1,wherein the second switch is activated by inserting a headphone pluginto a headphone jack of the information processing apparatus.
 6. Theinformation processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein thesecond operating state is a low-power consumption mode where theinformation processing apparatus consumes less power than in the firstoperating state.
 7. The information processing apparatus according toclaim 1, wherein the CPU is configured to stop execution duringreproduction of data from the storage medium by the media drive toreduce power consumption of the information processing apparatus.
 8. Amethod for operating an information processing apparatus including acentral processing unit (CPU) and a media drive configured to reproducedata from a storage medium, the method comprising: activating a firstswitch to change an operating state of the information processingapparatus from a first operating state to a second operating state, theCPU executing a predetermined application program of the informationprocessing apparatus in the first operating state, and the CPU notexecuting the predetermined application program in the second operatingstate; and activating a second switch to change the operating state fromthe second operating state to a third operating state, the CPU operatingthe media drive in the third operating state, and the CPU not executingthe predetermined application program in the third operating state,wherein the second switch is operable in the first operating state andthe second operating state, such that the CPU accepts a signal resultingfrom activating the second switch in the first and second operatingstates.
 9. An information processing apparatus, comprising: a centralprocessing unit (CPU); means for reproducing data; first means forchanging an operating state of the information processing apparatus froma first operating state to a second operating state, the CPU configuredto execute a predetermined application program of the informationprocessing apparatus in the first operating state, and the CPUconfigured to not execute the predetermined application program in thesecond operating state; and second means for changing the operatingstate from the second operating state to a third operating state, theCPU configured to operate the media drive in the third operating state,and the CPU configured to not execute the predetermined applicationprogram in the third operating state, wherein the second means isoperable in the first operating state and the second operating state,such that the CPU accepts a signal resulting from activating the secondmeans in the first and second operating states.
 10. An informationprocessing apparatus, comprising: a central processing unit (CPU); amedia drive configured to reproduce data from a storage medium; a firstswitch configured to change an operating state of the informationprocessing apparatus from a first operating state to a second operatingstate, the CPU configured to execute a predetermined application programof the information processing apparatus in the first operating state,and the CPU configured to not execute the predetermined applicationprogram in the second operating state; and a second switch configured tochange the operating state from the second operating state to a thirdoperating state, the CPU configured to operate the media drive in thethird operating state, and the CPU configured to not execute thepredetermined application program in the third operating state, whereinthe second switch is independent from the first switch, such that theCPU accepts a signal resulting from activating the second switchindependent of an activation of the first switch.